PANAJI
The Goa Football Association (GFA) hosted its 3rd Annual Awards Night 2025, celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions that shaped the 2024–25 football season. The gala evening brought together players, referees, club officials, administrators and dignitaries including Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant and other eminent guests.
Welcoming the gathering, GFA President Dr. Caitano Fernandes expressed pride in the collective progress made by Goan football in recent years.
He also extended gratitude to the Government of Goa, the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for their unwavering support in developing the game across all levels.
“Without their support, we could never have achieved what we did last season. Tonight, we honour our footballing greats and present stars and pledge to continue working for the growth of Goan and Indian football,” he added.
Season highlights
The 2024–25 season marked several milestones for GFA
The Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy featured international clubs Brisbane Roar (Australia) and Clube Defensa y Justicia (Argentina) and was broadcast globally on FIFA+, drawing viewership from all five continents.
Launch of the GFA U-17 Girls League, which saw enthusiastic participation and competitive fixtures.
Over 1,293 matches were organised across various age-group and senior competitions.
Goan representation on the national stage included five players in the Indian team for the AFC Beach Football Championships and two Goan girls in India’s victorious SAFF U-17 Championship squad.
Among clubs, Sporting Clube de Goa defended their Goa Professional League title, Ambelim SC reached the AIFF Futsal Championship semi-finals, and Clube de Salgaocar earned promotion to I-League 3 in their debut season.
Dr. Fernandes emphasised that these recognitions go beyond trophies and medals, reflecting the passion, discipline, and legacy of Goan football.
The GFA also extended heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and PWD Minister Digambar Kamat for their continued guidance and support to football development in Goa.
The event concluded with a celebration of Goan football’s spirit honouring its legends, empowering its present and inspiring its future.
Award Winners
Men’s Player of the Year: Doyal Alves
Women’s Player of the Year: Pearl Fernandes
Special Achievement Awards:
Armando Colaco – For winning the Dronacharya Award 2024.
Brahmanand Shankhwalkar – For receiving the Padma Shri, recognising his lifelong contribution to Indian football, currently Technical Director of Geno FC.
Marcus Mergulhao - Member of the AFC Panel of Journalists, representing South Asia; first Goan to win the Press Council of India’s National Award for Excellence in Journalism (2024).
Lifetime Achievement Awards:
Administrator: Alberto Colaco - Former General Secretary of AIFF and SAFF.
Player: Francis D’Souza (Matari) - For his outstanding service and contribution to Goan football.
